LAGUNA HILLS – Laguna Hills is the second city in Orange County that will make adults accountable for underage drinking now that city officials adopted a law that could fine adults as much as $1,000 if their teens drink in their homes.

City Council members unanimously adopted the alcohol ordinance, known as the social host ordinance, at Tuesday night’s meeting. It goes into effect 30 days following adoption.

City Councilwoman Melody Carruth has said the ordinance sends a clear message that underage drinkers will not be tolerated.

“I think it’s unfortunate that we have to take this kind of action,” Carruth said.

Under the ordinance, it would be a misdemeanor for a person responsible for a party, gathering, or event on private property attended by three or more young people who are underage to knowingly permit an underage youth to consume or possess an alcoholic beverage.

A violation would be punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail, but allows for lesser penalties depending on the circumstance.

The law is already on the books in 39 California cities and six counties, according to a city report. In Mission Viejo, it was adopted this summer.

From Jan. 1, 2007 to Nov. 25 of this year, there have been six collisions involving underage drinkers in Laguna Hills. There was one injury. A total of 19 DUI arrests involving underage drinkers were made during that same time period, according to the sheriff’s traffic bureau.

Lt. Steve Doan, chief of police services for Laguna Hills, said this law can be used as another tool for law enforcement and said teen drinking is not only an issue in Laguna Hills.

“I think it’s an issue that concerns a lot of people in all of the cities in South County,” Doan said.

“Most adults, I think understand the implication of allowing their teens to drink before reaching 21,” he added.

School officials acknowledge the problem and discipline students caught drinking or possessing alcohol on campus.

“Does it happen in high schools?,” said Assistant Principal Sam Oramas of Laguna Hills High. “Yes, is this an issue that typically happens in high schools, yes.”

At Laguna Hills High there is zero tolerance law – students caught in possession of or drinking alcohol on campus get suspended and can face possible expulsion.

In a Register online survey, 70 percent of more than 5,000 respondents said they believe adults should be fined if teens drink in their homes.

The city has been playing tough on house parties. In October, the City Council adopted an ordinance that could fine a resident up to $1,000 if a deputy is called to a noisy residence more than once.

Alejandra Molina has been a reporter since 2006 and has covered a number of beats -- from crime and transportation to religion and immigration -- for The Orange County Register and The Press-Enterprise.

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